Aragon, New Mexico – The Buck Fire, burning southeast of Aragon in Catron County, has consumed 57,753 acres and is now 39% contained as of Thursday.

Sparked by lightning on June 11, the fire is fueled by grass and timber in extreme drought conditions. Winds are pushing it north-northwest, challenging firefighting efforts.

Crews are strengthening control lines, with hotshot teams extinguishing hotspots along the northern flank. Aerial resources have dropped retardant to slow the fire’s spread.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s emergency declaration has allocated $750,000 to support firefighting. Nearly 300 personnel are on-site, with more resources being mobilized.

A soft closure is in effect for the Continental Divide Trail. Residents are urged to avoid the area, and drone use is prohibited to ensure safe air operations.

A community meeting is set for Friday at 6 p.m. at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center, streamed on the Gila National Forest’s Facebook page.

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